Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program

The Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine is a focused one-year training program designed to equip fellows with extensive hands-on experience in forensic pathology. This program allows trainees to perform a significant number of autopsies weekly, gaining crucial insights into the intricacies of medicolegal investigations and judicial proceedings.

Participants in the program can expect to perform between six to eight autopsies per week, culminating in 200 to 250 medicolegal autopsies annually. This diverse caseload is reflective of the rich array of cases referred from approximately 33 counties across North Carolina, covering various circumstances of death such as homicides, suicides, accidents, and natural causes, among others. The opportunity for on-scene investigations further enriches the fellows' practical experience, allowing them to assess situations preemptively while evidence remains intact 1.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The Forensic Pathology Fellowship offers a structured curriculum that balances clinical practice with academic training. Each fellow engages in approximately 1,400 autopsies conducted annually at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, acting as a designated Regional Autopsy Center 1. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive hands-on education, enabling fellows to lead investigations across various forensic scenarios.

Fellows participate in a variety of didactic sessions, including weekly conferences to discuss recent cases and a trauma conference for in-hospital cases that require medical examiner oversight 3. Fellows are also expected to present at professional gatherings, including the annual medicolegal death investigation seminar, which attracts local medical examiners and legal professionals. In conjunction with this, fellows will have opportunities to collaborate with specialized consultants in fields such as forensic anthropology and toxicology, enhancing their interdisciplinary understanding of forensic science.

Educational and Professional Development

Upon completion of the fellowship, fellows are trained to proficiently conduct and manage medicolegal investigations from initiation to conclusion, including the ability to prepare and present detailed reports on causes of death related to various circumstances 3. This preparatory foundation positions them well for board certification from the American Board of Pathology in Forensic Pathology, meeting the necessary requirements for successful examination 1.

Fellowship Benefits

The program provides significant benefits to its fellows, such as a generous continuing medical education (CME) budget, competitive salary based on completed residency levels, and comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans. Additional support includes long-term disability insurance and resources available for on-call scenarios, which encompass amenities like rooms and meals 1.

Application Process

To apply for the Forensic Pathology Fellowship, candidates must be MDs or DOs with valid medical licensure in North Carolina by the start of the fellowship year. The application process involves submitting relevant documentation, including a curriculum vitae, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and proof of prior experience in anatomic pathology. Successful candidates are expected to have completed at least two years in an accredited residency program and exhibit proficiency in the English language 4.

Special Considerations

Furthermore, this fellowship program is competitive and welcomes applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Osteopathic practitioners and International Medical Graduates 4. The program participates in the Match through the National Association of Medical Examiners, ensuring a structured and equitable selection process, although certain years may be filled ahead of time, based on applicant pools.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides visa support to qualified international applicants, potentially sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas, depending on the applicant's status and qualifications. This opens a pathway for globally diverse candidates to engage in specialized forensic pathology training within a premier academic medical center.